trying to decide what gaming computer to get

[jaysteve]

 I need a little help deciding what gaming computer to get. trying to keep it under $1000 (just for the pc). I dont know if I should build one or just buy one thats already put together. Any help would be much appreciated.

[ATiC3]

hmm... Desktop or Laptop?

[-Whiplash-]

Build it. It's always cheaper, and you can probably get better parts or at least the part you think will work for whatever you want to play.

[jaysteve]

desktop. Yea i was thinking of building one but ive never done it before. I looked at a couple sites but there are so many options, plus im not sure what devices are compatible

[ATiC3]

Then I wouldn't recommend buying the parts unless you know someone who is reliable and knows how to build computers. Have you tried going to a local computer shop or asking a relative who knows how to build computers and seeing what they charge if you like buy the parts from a place like newegg.com with them at your aid, they build it, and there ya go?

If not then you'll have to buy the tower pre-built, but it would cost more.

My pre-built suggestions:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147096

Do not buy anything Gateway or eMachines. I know from much experience, at home and at work, that they do not last long.

[nick09]

Well you can always check the DIY kits at Newegg such as this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.361329

The only major things that you are missing from that list is a operating system(no windows), DVD or Blu-Ray drive, and a graphics card. I would recommend this graphics card for it's power and the great reviews:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490

After all of that you have plenty leftover to buy Windows 7 and a DVD drive. I'm pretty sure you can have a local business build the computer for you if you are not too sure about doing it yourself.

[jaysteve]

thanks Atice. I like your 2nd choice the HP Pavilion P6340F, but I got a few questions if you got the time to answer them.
 
1.whats the diffrence between Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400(2.66GHz), and a i-5 or i-7 processor

2. if i were to get this system should I get a better graphics card

3. what do you think of this desktop Asus - Essentio Desktop with Intel® Core™ i5 Processor

[nick09]

Well an i5 is pretty much a quad but what the i5 have over a Core 2 Quad is the L2 and L3 cache. The i5 has larger cache which means you can process more data at the same time. The i7 is the same as the i5 but with more cache and a few more cores(it varies on each cpu model). Personally I would not buy the HP because it has so much ram that you would not need. Most of time I never exceed 2GB out of 4GB ram on my laptop. The setup that I have suggested is about as future proof as you can get for now and the motherboard accepts even faster ram if you want to upgrade to a faster speed.

You mind posting a link to that ASUS computer? I can't really give a good overview of the parts if I don't know the exact model number of the computer..

[ATiC3]

Actually having only 2gb of ram is no good. I had that before and my pc was so slow. Once I got this new one, I got 8gb and with what came with the pc it's just so fast.. I can't even believe it..... Mine was custom built though.. But I do recommend HP, because if you have no one to set up the PC for you and you buy all these parts... you're kinda stuck with them. Also, if you don't know how to build a PC, and can't guarantee that you won't get it working all by yourself.. just buy a pre-built one. There's no shame in it.. I've done it before and others I know usually do as well...

[nick09]

What I said in my last post is that my computer only uses at most 2GB of it's 4GB of RAM. You only really need 8GB or more for a program like CAD(construction software) or for a very intense video editing program like Adobe Premiere.

One thing you should definitely do is Google some computer builds and read some forums as people like to post their experience. You have to get yourself familiar with the terminology and you need to cross the barrier; who knows maybe you just might enjoy the process of building a computer. You will never know intill you try it.

Also on Newegg they will have information about warranties under the image of the item page.

[jaysteve]

Here is the link for the asus its on best buys website

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Essentio+Desktop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i5+Processor/9699025.p?id=1218152464094&skuId=9699025

and thanks to everyone for all the help

[ATiC3]

Question for JaySteve: Do you want to buy computer parts and build a computer or just save some time and buy one? It will be less customized, but at least you'll have one sent to you pre-built and all you'll have to do is plug things in... The only reason I bought parts and etc. for mine was because I know someone who builds computers, so they did it for me... So it's whatever you want man..

[nick09]

The ASUS has intel graphics so it will do you no good for video games. Though ASUS is a very good computer brand but they mostly specialize in regular desktop computers and the very slim ones. They have a very good reputation for great build qaulity. I personally believe this because my ASUS laptop has a Core 2 Quad and a good mid-range Nividia Geforce 240M. I use it everyday and I'm very happy with the build quality.

[jaysteve]

to atice: im just trying to get the best computer i can get for my money without getting in over my head.

to nick09: yea I was thinking of swaping out the graphics card on the asus and maybee a diffrent power supply

[♦ßlôödÑinjå♦]

If you have the money you can always go with an Alienware if you don't get a dell Xps.

[-Whiplash-]

Actually having only 2gb of ram is no good. I had that before and my pc was so slow. Once I got this new one, I got 8gb and with what came with the pc it's just so fast..

Heh, my laptop has 2 GB ram and stuff works all right, it's not the greatest, it WILL however, run some games. like my laptop runs megaman x8 fine. (Which is also a PS2 game...)
the 8GB ram Desktop in my living room however runs like the flash...

It's not to hard to make a computer. you just got to get a decent HD, proccesor (CPU) like 4 gigs ram and mother board.

NEVER worry about the case, it's asthetics, heck see if you can put your new stuff in the case your using now, to save money.

I don't know much about computers despite my dad fixing and making them for a living. .

but don't worry about putting your computer together, it's actually not that hard. everything has it's own nice slot and it's pretty obvious where things go.

[ATiC3]

Note: Jaysteve wants desktop, not laptop.

To make a computer you have to know where to put everything and Jaysteve may not know how to put a pc together... Not everyone's a pc wiz like that... ... It seems to me like they just want to purchase one below $1000... and my recommendations should work although if anyone has has any alternatives...

[-Whiplash-]

I know he wants a Desktop. I just mentioned my laptop cause it had 2 Gigs ram.

yrue about the computer thing though, it's easy for me, but I've grown up around them, so I can't really say for sure if it's easy or not.  Well, he said he wants it to run games.

What type of games? is it a game in particular?

[nick09]

to nick09: yea I was thinking of swaping out the graphics card on the asus and maybee a diffrent power supply

Oh you can do that very easily. It seems like the computer already has some good RAM and a good CPU so all you would need is a graphics card and a new power supply. I would recommend this graphics card because it supports DirectX11 and it's a great deal for the cash even if you think it's a bit pricey: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490

I would also recommend this power supply so can power the new graphics card. It's modular so you can remove the power cables that you don't need and that helps to improve the airflow. It also has plenty of power leftover if you want to add a new hard drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036

@AʇıɔE: A laptop is just like a desktop but in a more portable way. They can still overheat just like a desktop. They just don't have case standards like a desktop. A laptop with good graphics and a good Core 2 Quad can get up to 2 and a half hours at most on the battery with normal use. Depending on how demanding the games are you can play video games for about an hour on the battery.

[B-5]

Just get a toshiba gaming laptop. Go to toshiba.com and customize the video card.

[ATiC3]

@n1ck09, Whiplash, and etc:

hmm... Desktop or Laptop?

desktop. Yea i was thinking of building one but ive never done it before. I looked at a couple sites but there are so many options, plus im not sure what devices are compatible

 

 

[-Whiplash-]

I know he wants a Desktop. I just mentioned my laptop cause it had 2 Gigs ram.

 

[nick09]

Sorry I just wanted to point out that a laptop is not much different.

[jaysteve]

thanks for all the help (thats why I love this site)

Well I think ive narrowed it down to 2, either the HP Pavilion P6340F that atice sugested or the asus.  I like the fact that there both very upgradable just trying to figure out wich is best for the price.

O and as for what im gonna be using it for, there are a few graphics heavy games like crysis. Im also getting in to digital and 3d art

[ATiC3]

@nlck09: Why apologize? You did nothing wrong, it's just that in the beginning jaysteve stated they wanted desktop, not laptop... Plus you can't upgrade a laptop as much as a desktop.

The HP should work... HP's seem more reliable these days.